Rugby: Wasps officially announce Lima Sopoaga signing

Lima Sopoaga. Photo / Getty Images

Wasps are talking up the merits of Lima Sopoaga after confirming they have signed the All Blacks' first five-eighth for the next English Premiership season.

Sopoaga, 26, last week announced his departure from New Zealand rugby following this year's Super Rugby campaign with the Highlanders. However, the 16-Test veteran didn't reveal his destination.

In a statement, Wasps director of rugby Dai Young says the playmaker is a key signing for his club.

"When a world-class fly-half became available we jumped at the chance, as that doesn't happen very often," he said.

"Lima's track record with the All Blacks, Highlanders and Southland speaks for itself, and we believe he will be an extremely good fit both in our side and within the club."

Sopoaga will join Hurricanes forward Brad Shields in leaving for Wasps later this year.

Also on the Coventry-based team's books is seasoned Kiwi first five-eighth and last season's Premiership player of the year Jimmy Gopperth, who will contest the No.10 jersey with Sopoaga.

View this post on Instagram

It's with a heavy heart that I announce that my family and I will be leaving NZ at the end of the 2018 season. It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make but is one I'm at peace with. I have loved every minute of being a professional footballer here in NZ, I've made life long friends and memories that I'll cherish forever. I'd like to thank the Highlanders, All Blacks, Southland and Wellington for the awesome experiences you have provided me with over the years. Thank you to all the fans for your support it's been one heck of a ride. To my team mates and coaches/management over the years thank you for everything, I've been blessed to have met so many top men & women. Last but not least to my family & friends you know who you are the ones who have stood by me through the lowest of lows and the highest of highs you have seen both the valleys and the peaks, THANK YOU will never be enough! So here's to 2018 one last roll of the dice before I head off to experience life on the other side of the world. I'm ready. TheSops LS10

A post shared by Lima Sopoaga (@limasopoaga) on Jan 10, 2018 at 12:14pm PST

- NZN